Kuchi

The Kuchi is a rare breed that was bred to be a guardian and
protector. They are athletic, fast and agile. This breed is also known for
their relentless stamina. While the Kuchi is not recognized as a breed by any
kennel clubs in the western hemisphere, they are beloved in their native Afghanistan
and Pakistan. This
breed is extremely suspicious of strangers and it takes a long time before they
begin to accept anyone as friend. Do not expect them to willingly greet people.
Early socialization is a must for the Kuchi to prevent them from becoming
aggressive towards strangers.

Purpose

Livestock Guardian Dog

Date of Origin

Unknown

Ancestry

Molosser-type Dogs

Kuchi Health

Average Size

Height: 28-35 inchesWeight: 88-176 lbs

Height: 27-32 inchesWeight: 84-120 lbs

Major Concerns

Hip And Elbow Dysplasia

Minor Concerns

Bloat

Occasional Diagnoses

None Known

Occasional Tests

Yearly Physical Examination

OFA on hips and elbows

Kuchi Breed History

The Kuchi was named after the Afghan Kochi people who are
thought to have first discovered these molosser-type dogs. The breed is thought
to have been developed by the nomads of Afghanistan
as a working breed given the task of guarding the caravans and livestock
against predators and thieves. Since there is very little written about the
Kuchi, the date of origin is unknown and their ancestry is still somewhat of a
mystery. This makes historians believe they are a primitive breed that has been
hidden from the world while traveling with their masters through Pakistan
and Afghanistan.
It is known that they are considered molosser-type dogs and are genetically
close to the Central Asian Ovcharka. Some researchers claim the Kuchi is simply
a variation of the Central Asian Ovcharka. They are able to adapt to their
native environment quickly making them ideal for all climates in the Middle
East. The Kuchi has three different classifications: mountain
type, steppe type and desert type. Some breed enthusiasts have even classified
them further into either tiger type or lion type. The Kuchi is a large breed
that has the ability to basically fend for themselves from centuries of
traveling with nomad groups throughout all types of terrains and climates. They
had to have the wherewithal to catch their own food to survive because the
nomads did not always have the ability to provide food for them. Many
enthusiasts of the breed are beginning to promote responsible breeding
practices and develop an acceptable breed standard. There is a higher
population of Kuchi in Pakistan
and Afghanistan
but is considered a rare breed everywhere else in the world.

Kuchi Breed Appearance

The Kuchi has been classified into
three varieties. All varieties have the same basic, sturdy, large boned
structure with a massive head. They all should have dark eyes and a black nose,
although self-colored noses are acceptable in lighter colored dogs. Their ears
are generally cropped close to their head and their tails are also docked. The
mountain type Kuchi has bigger bones than the other two varieties and also has a longer coat that is very dense. The mountain type is able to move quickly over
uneven terrain but is slower moving over flat land. The steppe type of Kuchi
has a lighter bone structure and is able to move fast over flat lands. They
have a medium to long coat that is somewhat dense, but not as dense as the
mountain type. The desert type of Kuchi has a short coat that becomes dense
with a woolen undercoat during colder seasons. These dogs also have a heavier
bone structure than the steppe type. All three varieties come in several
different colors including black, red, fawn and grey.

Eye Color Possibilities

Brown

Nose Color Possibilities

Black

Brown

Coat Color Possibilities

Fawn

Red

Gray

Black

Coat Length

ShortMediumLong

Coat Density

SparseNormalDense

Coat Texture

StraightWiryWavyCurlyCorded

Kuchi Breed Maintenance

The Kuchi is a self-sufficient breed and however, during
seasons of heavy shedding they do require much more grooming and maintenance.
All three varieties have a dense undercoat that does completely shed out
during the spring. This requires daily brushing to stay on top of hairs
floating all over your home and getting onto your clothing. Otherwise they can
be brushed once a week using a pin brush, metal comb and if necessary a
de-matter and de-shedder. Their ears are generally cropped close to their heads
but they do still need to be cleaned often to prevent any ear infections from
occurring. Since they are heavy seasonal shedders, this breed is not
hypoallergenic. Being a molosser-type breed, the Kuchi does drool and snore.
They can have a strong smell when they have been out working but they should
not be bathed too often. Bathe them every few months using a mild shampoo.

Brushes for Kuchi

Pin Brush

Dematter

Deshedder

Nail Clipper

Brushing Frequency

DailyWeeklyMonthly

Kuchi Temperament

This is a fiercely independent breed that was bred to be
vigilant and hard. They are also very clever and extremely trustworthy. The
Kuchi is surprisingly agile for their size and have great stamina. When
confronted with a predator trying to attack their flock, the Kuchi will fight
fearlessly and to the death if need be. They are very territorial and do not do
well with other dogs within their area. Therefore, they are recommended to be
the only dog in the home. The Kuchi does bond closely with their family and
will become very protective of them. Do not walk them around other people or
dogs that they may perceive as a threat. These dogs are very suspicious of
strangers and it takes them a long time to accept new people. Generally, the
Kuchi does not do well having to be re-homed and bond with a different family.
They are not recommended to simply be a family companion, their temperament
does not allow them to be content just being a pet.

Kuchi Activity Requirements

The Kuchi is a moderately active dog that does require
regular exercise. Being from a nomadic background, they enjoy long hikes
over various terrains. They will require a strong leash when they are being
walked around other people and dogs. These dogs may become aggressive if they
perceive someone or something is threatening them or their owner. Do not allow
them to run in a dog park, however, they do need time to run in a large yard
with a sturdy fence. Provide plenty toys that they cannot easily destroy with
their powerful jaws. They need a job to do, without a specific purpose they
will be very unhappy.